ANDREW BLACK CONCERT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8138, 12 May 1906, Page 5

ANDREW BLACK CONCERT.

♦ — : Mr Andrew Black, who is recognised as England's leading baritone, cave a souk recital in the Masterton Town Hall, last evening, and met with a most enthusiastic reception, though the audience was uot as large as might have been on such a distinguished occasion, The contributors to last evening's concert are all exponent's of their arts, and those who visited the Town Hall last evening, did not regret their decision, for ili was Drobably the most enjoyable' musical programme that a Masterton audience has had the pleasure cf listening to. Of Mr Black's voice nothing but praise oan be said. It is clear and powerful, true and even in every note, and the perfect phrasing and distinct speech, made every note and word recognisable to the audience. His opening item was Leoncavallo's fine prologue, "Pagiiaoci," whioh uas sung with drauoatio effect, and vociferously applauded by the audience. Encored, he gave Hatton's familiar "To Antbea." His second appearance brought forth songs of a widely different character. "Lassens "It was a dream," and Handela "O Ruddier than a oberry," were artistically sung, the different pas- ' sages in the latter number being bandied with an ease that made toe audience ask for "more," As an, encore Mr Black gave a pretty little composition, "1 was a pale young curate," an extract from Sullivan's "The Sorcerer." In the second part of the programme Mr Black, with fine effect, rendered Korbay'a "Had a borne, a finer no man ever saw," a quaint item, and followed by an excellent number—a dramatic story, "Foung Dietrich," by Hensohel. Still the audience insisted upon more, and tbe encore resulted in Lawson'a dainty "Turn ye to me," being sung. The next time the artist's name appeared on the programme it was againat "Ki< koonnell Lea," a border ballad, and Rossini's robust "Gia La Luna." The latter was sung in Italian, and was a splendid erf or t. The audience sat, arid persistently applaaded. for the famous singer to appear again, and this time be rendered the familiar "March of the Cameron Men" in a style tnat was in keeping with the previous numbers. Alto-; getber the artist appeared in eleven numbers, and achieved a decided sucoess. His name will long be remembered among the music-loving people of Masterton. The great vocalist was supported by Mr Adolpbe Borsohke, an accomplished young Hungarian pianist, and Miss Ethel Sinclair, a young Melbourne violiniste of exceptional ability. The two were beard tdgetber in the opening i*.em "Scherzo" (Van Goeas)—a brilliant execution!— and in response to a well-deserved enoore "Madrigale" was given. Mr Borsohke played "Polka d(e Concert," by Sauer, and ia response to an eaoore gave Oboppin's familiar "Nocturne." His other item J were tbe Sohubert-Tausig melodious "March Mililtaire," and'to an encore a pretty valse of his own composition. In all these compositions the artist proved himself a '■ clever executant. Miss Sinclair also had to respond to several encores for her melodious playing and her skilful manipulation of the violin. Her first item was Hauser's "Rhapsodic Hohgroise." "MotoPerpetuo" (German', was the encore number, Later Miss Sinclair played Hubay's "Plevna Nota," in a mannei which called for a vociferous, encore, and she executed in a charming manner Dvorak's "Humoresque." The whole programme was a musical treat. The company will probably appear in Masterton again at an early date. The pianos used at the concert were supplied by the Dresden Piano Company.